Sounding Board

For an emerging artist, a hit single is both the best and worst thing that can happen to you.

Have you ever been to Electric Ladyland? Chances are if you've ever fallen in love with classic rock guitar heroism, you've paid a visit to…

For years now, Desert Daze has arrived in October like a mirage in the landscape to which it owes its name. It's a sudden oasis,…

It must be incredible to walk the earth with Bradley Cooper’s confidence. The man decided that he was going to remake A Star Is Born,…

If you're going to use the Hot 100 to discern the state of radio-listening (and streaming) Americans, it's generally better to consider the chart in…

Let's start now. Or as close to now as can be defined in this conversation, between the time and place I am in as I…

Earlier this month, the seven-member K-pop boy band BTS had the #1 album in the US with their compilation record Love Yourself: 結 'Answer,'. Simultaneously,…

For the Kings Of Leon, the myth about them was always more exciting than the real thing. The idea of who they were and where…

In pop history, there have been all sorts of shocking transformations. Bands who began in a logical place relative to their time and scene and…

I've been really in the weeds with work lately. Just completely buried in it. Call It Freelancer Syndrome: I just say yes to everything. Recently…

Recommending Yves Tumor to a friend isn’t easy. In the last several years, the Tennessee-born artist has explored the most extreme sides of music: droning…

One of the biggest pop stars in the world ambles down the street, blinking in the sunlight, looking like he wishes this guy with the…

The '70s ended nearly 39 years ago, but That '70s Show began 20 years ago today. Throughout its eight seasons and 200 episodes, the series…

Aretha Franklin’s "Respect" is eternal. Anyone born after its release in 1967 might assume the song had existed since the Big Bang; it's the kind…

When a truly iconic music figure dies, a eulogy can never tell the full story. Sometimes, you learn more about this person's impact on the…